Pearlie's owners Mikel and Evelyn Azeem believe their $500,000 investment in Pearlie's restaurant is the first step in revitalizing the Southeast community. The couple bought the abandoned building in 2006. In 8-10 years Evelyn Azeem hopes that more businesses will open in the area, thus drawing more people to live there.

Pearlie's owners Mikel and Evelyn Azeem believe their $500,000 investment in Pearlie's restaurant is the first step in revitalizing the Southeast community. The couple bought the abandoned building in 2006. In 8-10 years Evelyn Azeem hopes that more businesses will open in the area, thus drawing more people to live there. (Sangjib Min, Daily Press)